['No' is not what Beatrix expects to hear and it admittedly catches her almost immediately by surprise. But when Oriphi continues, what she says is sound. Logical. Beatrix has an instinct to retort, but instead, she simply says nothing to begin with. After a beat of consideration, she tips her head thoughtfully.]

I know what my own feelings are well enough. I just do not like sharing them. I... suppose that is unfair to Dohalim. I act incapable of saying the things he deserves hear or should hear. I withhold intentionally simply for my own comfort. Not just him either. I am that way with everyone.

[She shakes her head.]

And the only excuse I have is that I am trying to protect myself.

[Loosing a breath, Beatrix shifts her weight, lifting a hand into her hair before she shakes it about loosely.]

I appreciate Dohalim. I... like and value his companionship, what challenge he presents to me in his varied ways. I accept that he has deep feelings for me and I have mine for him in my own way. I may not be able to say it, to tell him the way he deserves, but words are not the only ways to express something. If I did not want it, I would not tolerate his presence. I do not do things that I do not care to.

[At least, not in this world.]